The Onigbesi of Igbesi Land in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, only days after regaining his freedom from kidnappers.
The monarch’s death came less than three weeks after armed men invaded his community and abducted him, an incident that attracted security attention across Kwara State.
His passing was confirmed by members of his family and community leaders. His son, Prince Olasunkanmi, said the traditional ruler developed a brief illness after his release and was taken to a hospital, where he died in the early hours of Saturday.
The Abduction of the Onigbesi
Oba Oyinloye was abducted on August 22, 2026, when armed men invaded Igbesi community in Isin Local Government Area.
The attack occurred at a time when kidnapping remained a major security concern in parts of Nigeria, particularly in rural communities where traditional rulers and residents can be vulnerable to attacks.
The monarch was not the only victim. Two other people were also abducted during the incident.
Security agencies subsequently launched efforts to locate the victims and apprehend the kidnappers.
Five Days in Captivity
After spending approximately five days in captivity, Oba Oyinloye regained his freedom on August 27, 2026.
The rescue took place around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis of Kwara State following information received by security personnel about activity in the area.
According to reports, a combined team involving the police, military personnel and local vigilantes moved into the area after receiving a distress report. The operation eventually led to the discovery and rescue of three kidnapped victims, including the traditional ruler.
The rescue was widely welcomed because the monarch and the other victims had spent several days in the hands of their abductors.
Following the operation, the rescued victims were taken for medical attention.
His Condition After the Rescue
Although Oba Oyinloye had regained his freedom, his health reportedly deteriorated after the ordeal.
His son, Prince Olasunkanmi, confirmed that his father developed a brief illness following his release. The family took him to a hospital in the hope that he would recover.
However, the monarch died at the hospital in the early hours of September 12, 2026.
The circumstances surrounding his death have generated concern because of the short period between his rescue and his passing.
A security official who participated in the rescue operation, Elder Olaitan Oyin Zubair, Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Security Watch, said the monarch appeared extremely weak after he was rescued.
Zubair expressed the belief that the trauma of the abduction may have contributed to the monarch’s deteriorating condition. However, this remains an observation by a security official and should not be treated as an established medical cause of death. The family has publicly described his death as following a brief illness.
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